BELIEVING IN THE POWER OF A DREAM

Posted on April 20, 2023 by franksantucci

Two years after or foundation in Aix en Provence, Eugene had described his dream for his missionary family:

and even though, because of their present small number and the more urgent needs of the people around them, they have to limit the scope of their zeal, for the time being, to the poor of our countryside and others,

their ambition should, in its holy aspirations, embrace the vast expanse of the whole earth

1818 Rule, Part One, Chapter One. The ends of the Institute, §3. Nota Bene. Missions, 78 (1951) p. 15

Now, 30 years later, with the departure of the Missionaries for the United States, he exclaims as the fulfilment of his dream unfolds:

After they will have arrived at their destination, our family will be announcing Jesus Christ from one sea to the other in immense territories which have never yet known him. What an apostolate!

Letter to Fr Jean Baudrand in Bytown, Canada, 21 January 1847, EO I n 77

“I dream of painting and then I paint my dream.” (Vincent Van Gogh)

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1 Response to BELIEVING IN THE POWER OF A DREAM

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate says:
    April 20, 2023 at 13:20

    When I first began this journey with St. Eugene and the Oblate Family I would from time-to-time, remember how as a little girl I had dreamed of becoming a great saint, which would then prove to me and the world that I was good and loved by by You, my God. Getting to know Eugene and his sons and daughters, I would wonder how I might be sent, and what I had to offer the world. Where would you have me be Lord?

    Eugene sent those first men to surrounding villages, to Canada, the US, England, Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and further… This morning I realise that I have been sent to the very people that I live with… I meet the world.

    It is your love that has filled me and shown who I am as seen through your eyes from the cross… And I am inspired to share You with all who I meet.

    My dream that coming to life and deepening…

    Beloved…

    Reply

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